Kamshet, a sleepy village along the Mumbai-Pune
Highway #4, 16 km east of Lonavala has developed into one of the sought
after Paragliding destination in Maharashtra with its perfect flying conditions.
The picturesque hills of the Western Ghats which run along the west coast
of India from Gujarat
in the north through Maharashtra, Goa
and Karnataka
to the Nilgiri hills of Kerala in the southern tip, locally known as the
Sahyadris in Maharashtra, offer many sites such as Kamshet, Satara, Talegaon,
Deodali, Murud Janjira, Matheran, Panchgani, Singhgad and more with plenty
of potential distance wise, suitable for gliding. The western Ghats
offer almost a year round destinations than those sites in the Himalayas
which are restricted by extreme weather conditions.

Situated
in Pune district, Maharashtra; 110km from Mumbai and 56km from Pune, the
area in and around Kamshet, with its low hills, rocky terrain and flatlands
has scores of favourable sites with enough ridges just right for take
off. Kamshet, 2200feet above sea level has perfect flying conditions
with cloud base usually over 2000m and reliable thermic cycles ideal for
basic, intermediate and cross country flying. Here flying is possible
almost every day of the long season from October to June. The topography
and temperatures allow for both ridge and thermal soaring. The pleasant
weather, lush greenery, the huge pristine lake, the dramatic scenery and
the easy accessibility to the place adds to its charm. Historically too,
the place holds great significance. While you are there, check out the
ancient cave temples at Bedsa located just before Kamshet. Another
thing that strikes you is the presence of ever friendly and supportive
villagers.

One of the widely known sites is the 'Tower Hill'
just off the highway on the road to Pavna dam. The take off site, on a
north south ridge is visible from the highway and is accessed by a 30minute
uphill drive and a 10minute walk. The site is larger than a football field
rising 250m (700ft) above the valley floor overlooking the highway, the
railway track and the Indrayani river. The site offers good launches everyday
with the two prevailing winds- from the east face in the morning and from
the west face late in the afternoon. One has to look out for high tension
cable lines and the highway when launching from the west face. The mountain
ridge is excellent for cross country flying with beautiful views of lakes
and open fields. This site hosted the Indian Nationals 2000.

'Shinde Wadi' is another site just off the highway
around 2km from Kamshet town. A gentle sloping hill, take off height is
just 100- 200 ft from ground level. Ideal for beginners, this site is
best for hops and first solo flights. Historically this site holds significance
as there is a saying that this is the place where in a battle between
the British and the Marathas, Madhavrao Shinde's soldiers fired a cannon
from the top of the hill and blew the head off the leader of the advancing
British Battalion. Here Village kids always keep company to the fliers.

'Temple
Hill' situated at Talegaon- Bhandar Dongar 22 km ahead of Kamshet
on the road to Pune was once host to the famous ' Temple Hill Hang Gliding
Trophy'. An old favourite for hang gliding, this is an excellent
site for paragliding as well especially for beginners, with a gentle slope
ending in a very clear landing zone. The site gets its name from the medieval
temple of Saint Thukaram located here. It is mostly flyable in the mornings
and if the winds holds out, up to late afternoon. The site is drivable
to the take off point.

'Shelar' is another site 8 km from the highway,
a north south ridge about a mile long with a wide take off at 175feet
above ground level. This quiet L- shaped ridge free from power cables
for miles around, is suitable for training and intermediate flying with
perfect conditions for soaring and thermalling. There is usually a reliable
lift that will easily carry one to 200-600m above launch. Best for long
hours of evening flying with the vultures and eagles, from December to
June. The take off point is reachable by a 10 minute walk uphill.

'Kondeshwar Cliff' is another site 15-20km off
the highway from Kamshet town near the two monsoonal waterfalls. The take
off height is 2200ft above ground level on a north south ridge suitable
for advanced pilots. The ridge takes on the Westerlies wind coming from
the Arabian sea, 70km away. The slopes of these hills are thickly forested
but there is a clear landing area in the fields below. The site is drivable
to the take off.

ClothingVery light and airy clothing is suitable as the temperature tends
to be warm. Wide hat, light weight hiking or flying shoes, Sun glasses
and sunscreen etc will be fine.